Seen some talk about "standby" if unable to get ressie. How does it work?

[BC]

I assume you are saying just walk in and hope for the best. Maybe give your name and wait for an hour or more. Is that right? Will they tell you how long it might be or do you just wait for someone to not show up for an ADR?

 

[MHSweb79]

The restaurants overbook so waiting for a "no show" is not going to work. They've figured out an average percentage of folks who don't show up and they've already accounted for that.
If you're going during free dining, your chances of a walk-up table are slim to none. Some say they've had luck showing up right at opening time, but this is sketchy at best. It may work for you once, or not at all. It's not a good strategy if you want to get table service meals every night.
Yeah, it stinks to have to make ADR's months in advance when you'd rather wing it, but it's really the only way to guarantee a table service meal these days.

 

[Pooh&OurHunny]

We have went to a restaurant when they open and tell them we don't have an ADR and interested in eating there and asked if they have any sit available...usually we have gotten to eat at that restaurant...we never went during free dinning. I heard if you go during free dinning and don't have any ADR...you need to find a CS. But if you are not going during a free dinning, I would recommend going up and asking them the worst they can say is no. You don't leave a name and wait 1 hour...when you asked them they will tell you they can sit you and give you a time how long you'll wait or tell you they are full. Hope this helps.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) You can't wait for a missed ADR, because there are still other waiting.
2) Sometimes, they can fit you in if there is slack time.
3) In other words, lots of people eat fast, so there are tables open.
4) Usually, the eatery will not let you wait as a walk-up.
5) They will simply turn you away.
6) Dining has just gotten so booked, walk-up is not possible very often.

 

[SleepingRebecca]

But especially during Free Dining Periods you will need an ADR there are those lucky few who are able to go to the restaurant the morning of however, if you are looking to eat anything other than an early breakfast or lunch (whenever they open) I would suggest continuously calling until you arrive and even from the resort hotel to see if you can get in. Some restaurants display a sign saying no walk-ups during free dining. So walk up is probably a thing of the past especially since Disney is showing a trend of during value season to offer free dining.